Network Cabling

Cable Type

Audio files can be quite large. If a gigabit(gig-e, 1000base-T) ethernet computer network is not used initially it may be wanted at a later date. For this reason it is highly recommended to not use a lower cable standard than CAT5e. CAT6, CAT6a, and CAT7 are also acceptable. Shielded cables are not necessary in a typical studio environment unless you are planning for network speeds in excess of one gigabit. I have also not found shielded cable necessary at the transmitter if things are properly installed.

Color Coding

To easily and quickly identify audio cables from network cables it is highly recommended to use cable colors for your IT network that are different from those used in your audio wiring. If using the suggested Audio Wiring the cable colors suggested for networking are Grey and Yellow.

If using virtual LANs for different sections of your network, color markers can be used on the cables to signify the VLAN and number markers can help signify the switch port, or simply keep track of which cable is which.